This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
Published on October 23, 2019, Nayamka Roberts-Smith, a U.S. based esthetician, emphasizes the importance of using chemical skin exfoliants over physical skin scrubs.
While face scrubs may seem like a harmless way to exfoliate, they can actually cause micro-tears on the skin's surface, leading to inflammation and worsening acne and hyperpigmentation.
Chemical exfoliants, however, work by dissolving the bond between dead skin cells, making it easy to wash or wipe them off.
The best chemical exfoliant for oily and acne-prone skin is salicylic acid, while glycolic acid is great for hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid is gentle and moisturizing, and mandelic acid is suitable for sensitive skin.
It's essential to note that chemical exfoliants must be accompanied by a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, as they can make skin sensitive to the sun's harmful rays.
